Britain is preparing to bask in what could be the hottest day of the year so far, prompting thousands to flock to the coast.

After the coldest Easter on record and a disappointing start to spring, England and Wales are set to enjoy a scorching May bank holiday.

The sunshine has gradually increased over the weekend and temperatures are expected to peak at 22C (71.6F) in many areas on Monday.

Weather experts said there was a chance the temperature could beat this year's record of 23C (73F), recorded on 25 April.

But Scotland and Northern Ireland have not enjoyed the same highs as England and Wales this weekend, and were expected to hit only 17C on Monday along with spells of cloud and rain.

Billy Payne, a forecaster for MeteoGroup, the weather division of the Press Association, said: "It doesn't matter where you are in England and Wales today, it's going to be lovely.

"It's going to be at least 20C in most places and up to 22C in some areas in East Anglia, London, Midlands and Lincolnshire.

"There's a chance it may beat our predictions and end up being the hottest day of the year so far. There will be a risk of some showers but I don't want to spoil the message that it's going to be a very sunny day."

However, he warned those planning a beach break to be prepared for some fog along the coast.

This year's expected sunny bank holiday will be a big improvement on last year, when there was rain and a temperature high of 16C (60.8F) at Exeter airport.

On Saturday, temperatures reached 18C in Lincolnshire and 18.3C in Cambridge before climbing to 20.9C at Holbeach in Lincolnshire and in Aberdeenshire on Sunday.

But temperatures were expected to fall on Tuesday before turning cloudy and unsettled on Wednesday.

• This article was amended on Monday 6 May 2013 to remove a typographical error.